Behind the ScenesThe Silmarillion is full of pivotal moments, of events where the characters we love and loathe literally and figuratively shaped the world of Arda. This month's challenge asks you to take one of those moments, one of those big events or turning points in the story, to think about where and what happened ... and then create a fanwork about what was happening at that moment in time, anywhere but at the site of the action. Fanworks are due by November 10 to receive a stamp.

October 2017 NewsletterOur October newsletter has been posted with new challenges and other site news, a biography of Dorlas by Himring, and stories and articles to read.

Recent Character of the Month Biographies

Dorlas by Himring. A late addition to the legendarium and a composite of several earlier characters, Dorlas becomes an essential piece in the political game of the Haladin under the influence of Túrin, with his hawkish tendencies and cruel personality helping to bring about the downfall of that people. Read the biography of Dorlas.

A Month of Anniversaries
September marked not only another instance of Bilbo and Frodo's birthday but also the anniversary of not one but two beloved Tolkien novels. September 15 marked the 40th anniversary of the publication of The Silmarillion, and numerous commemorative articles were posted online. The One Ring.net gives an overview of the publication history, while at Alas, Not Me is taking a stroll down personal memory lane, and Entertainment Weekly discusses the appeal and significance of the Silmarillion. The SWG is also hosting its own anniversary celebration, the Silmarillion 40 Compilation.

Following soon after on September 21, was the 80th anniversary of the publication of The Hobbit. Looking back, Middle-earth Reflections found a number of reviews that recognized the story's impact and intricacies early on, The Independent recounts the inspirations behind Middle-earth, and Smithsonian Magazinegoes looking for Smaug's literary roots.

Tolkien as war-novelist: another way of dealing with trauma through writingThe Lord of the Rings is frequently (and to Tolkien's famous disdain) often read as an allegory of the Second World War. Nonetheless, and in spite of his service in the Battle of the Somme in the First World War, Tolkien's name is not commonly linked with war writing. Tim Lommese at the Tolkien Society makes a powerful case on the genesis of Middle-earth and its link to the two wars, coming to the conclusion that Tolkien's achievement rather celebrated escapism than depicting the horrors of the battlefield. Read the full essay on the Tolkien Society website.

... and links to more articles, announcements and call for papers in the Around the World and Web section of our newsletter!

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